There have been so many tunes running through my head lately and I have been remiss in creating a new playlist over the last couple of weeks. My bad habit of procrastination rears its ugly head when I can’t seem to find the “just right” song to start or finish the ride. Then one of my students recently asked “why aren’t you playing more Bruno Mars in your classes?”

With that suggestion I moved on through to create a playlist with a mixture of old and new tunes that I hope will serve your workout needs. The cool down tune was my mother’s idea and I think it makes the whole ride really special.

Let me know what you think of it and remember—I need song suggestions, always. So be sure to post them in the comments below!

Thanks!

Locked Out of Heaven:Bruno Mars

In my opinion Locked Out of Heaven is the best song on Mars’ Unorthodox Jukebox album and it has a fantastic steady beat to start the workout in a bouncy, fun mood.

Out of My League: Fitz & the Tantrums

This is one of those “every eventually starts bopping their heads” tunes that always makes me smile when I see the effect it has on the room. Also—it sounds amazing on a good stereo out loud so go for it!

Let it Whip:Dazz Band

If you really want some early 80s funk mixed in with some perfect roller boogie swagger than you have to try this one out in your ride. (I had to include an American Bandstand video just for nostalgia’s sake!)

Boys Wanna Be Her:Peaches

Peaches is a kick butt singer and songwriter that I first learned about on The Henry Rollins Show and it has been my mission to get as many of my students to learn about her as a I possibly can. Enjoy!

Apparitions: Matthew Good Band

Climbing and strength segments are a big part of most of my cycling classes because even though it is a cardio workout—your leg muscles can get some great definition if you add resistance. This song is slow and deliberate but has a great “build” to it so that at the end—everyone is working at their highest level.

Everlong:Foo Fighters

This song was David Letterman’s favorite by the Foos and he had so much clout that the band played it on one of his last shows. It also totally rules and I can listen to it every day.

Hypnotize:The Notorious B.I.G.

Let me make this clear—if you wish to play this out loud in one of your classes please be sure to use the “clean version. Trust me on that (holler back from Brooklyn!)

Somebody Told Me:The Killers

When I ready to work in some sprints into the mix this tune from TheKillers moves at a quick place and will get the heart rate up.

South Side: Moby

What is better than Gwen Stefani and Moby collaborating on a song? Nothing, I say! South Side has a languid, dreamy quality with a killer guitar riff tearing through it.

Creep: TLC

One thing that drives me crazy about playing this out loud in class is that it is recorded so low that I have to blast the volume to get it to sound correctly in the room. Otherwise to me it is damn near perfect though Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes hated the message it conveyed to young women. (She isn’t wrong, by the way) However, I love it because the beat is so catchy and powerful!

I Heard I Had:Dear Rouge

If you are looking for a dance/electronic tune to play in your class that has not been played everywhere—try this one from this Indie Canadian band. (LOVE IT!)

Doin’ Time:Sublime

Just did some research and learned that Doin’ Time is almost 20 years old (released in 1997) which makes me feel completely ancient.

Drive:The Cars

The cool down song is brought to you at the suggestion of my mom which makes me happy. :

Are you ready for a tough workout? This 50-minute playlist that I created is filled with music that will hopefully get you motivated on your next ride or run. As usual—there is a mixture of newer tunes with a few 90s gems. Enjoy!

Counting Stars:OneRepublic

OneRepublic is a band from Colorado who wrote this super-catchy song that makes my head bop to the beat.

Out of My League:Fitz & The Tantrums

Today one of my favorite students told me this was her favorite song from this list. Fitz & The Tantrums are a Los Angeles band that writes fun tunes that will make you want to sing along.

Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You):Kelly Clarkson

This has to be one of my favorite songs of all time. Seriously—Kelly Clarkson just sings the hell out of it.

Dangerous:Big Data

I got this directly from the Internet—“Big Data is a paranoid electronic music project from the Internet.’ Not sure what that means but Dangerous has a bouncy energy I love.

Rope: Foo Fighters

Whenever I want to set the volume to “11”—I put on some Foos!

Holiday:Green Day

This is my favorite song from American Idiot!

Get Off This: Cracker

When I want to reminisce about young & free in the 90s—I play songs like this one.

My Moon My Man:Feist

Where is Feist these days? I miss her!

Americano: Lady Gaga

I loves me some Gaga and this live version is fun to watch!

I Heard I Had: Dear Rouge

This is a new band from Vancouver and this song makes me want to dance around the room.

Stupid Girl:Garbage

Shirley Manson is my spirit animal.

Get Higher:Black Grape

This song is wonderfully subversive and fun.

Pets:Pornos for Pyros

I wish I could find the original video for this song as I recall it being freaky and fun.

That’s all I have today folks. Let me know about some of your favorite songs and radio stations. I am always looking for good tunes.